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Question

Difficulty: MediumComprehending Explicit Comparisons and Contrasts

Passage:
Although both the Haudenosaunee wampum belts and the Incan quipu served as vital methods of recording information in civilizations without alphabetic writing systems, their physical structures and primary functions differed significantly. The Haudenosaunee crafted wampum from purple and white mollusk shells woven into symbolic patterns, using them primarily to certify treaties, record oral histories, and establish political agreements. In contrast, the Inca constructed quipu from dyed cotton cords knotted at varying intervals. While wampum functioned largely as mnemonic devices for narratives and diplomatic protocols, the quipu was primarily an administrative tool used to record numerical data such as tax obligations and military inventories.

According to the passage, what is one way the primary function of Incan quipu differed from that of Haudenosaunee wampum?

  1. A
    Quipu served to record oral histories and stories, while wampum was used to track tax obligations and inventories.
  2. B
    Quipu were developed to replace alphabetic writing systems, while wampum coexisted alongside an established written language.
  3. Quipu were used mainly to record administrative and numerical data, while wampum was used to record narratives and diplomatic protocols.Answer
  4. D
    Quipu functioned to facilitate trade negotiations and currency exchange, while wampum certified military treaties.

Answer

The correct answer states that quipu were used mainly to record administrative and numerical data, while wampum was used to record narratives and diplomatic protocols.
The passage explicitly contrasts the two systems, stating that wampum functioned largely as mnemonic devices for narratives and diplomatic protocols, while the quipu was primarily an administrative tool used to record numerical data. The correct option accurately captures this distinction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate where the passage discusses the function of wampum belts.
The text states wampum functioned as mnemonic devices for narratives and diplomatic protocols, such as certifying treaties and political agreements.
To identify the baseline function of one of the items being compared.
2
Locate where the passage discusses the function of Incan quipu.
The text states quipu was an administrative tool used to record numerical data such as tax obligations and military inventories.
To identify the function of the second item and compare it with the first.
3
Formulate the contrast between the two functions and find the option that matches this distinction.
The correct option states that quipu recorded administrative/numerical data while wampum recorded narratives and diplomatic protocols.
To select the option that accurately represents the explicit contrast stated in the text.

Key Concept

Identifying explicitly stated differences between two items or ideas compared in a passage.
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Topics

Comprehending Explicit Comparisons and Contrasts

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